Nier: Replicantis a faithful yet significantly improved remake of the originalNier(known asNier: Gestaltin the west). In addition to modern graphics anda more subdued soundtrack, Yoko Taro also seized the opportunity to update the game’s combat system, making it more spectacular than ever.
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InNier: Replicant, there are 38 weapons for players to find, including those added in the DLCs. Nier can only wield one-handed swords in the opening chapters; however, in the second half of the game, he can add two-handed swords and spears to this arsenal. Finding as many weapons as possible allows players to experiment, and find out what best suits their playstyle. These are some of the game’s best options.
Updated August 04, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:Despite being a remake that’s very close to the original release, Nier: Replicant still proved to be one of the best JRPGs of the year. In terms of its impactful story and incredible characters, it can stand among some of the best narrative experiences in any generation. As far as remakes go it doesn’t deviate too much away from the original game that was released in 2010 the combat system has seen a significant upgrade helped by smooth 60fps framerate.
As a result, finding and experimenting with every weapon in the game is an enjoyable experience. These weapons need to be upgraded to reach their full potential and finding the best in the early parts of the game is more about what feels right to the player. These weapons have different weight classes that contribute to the handling and effectiveness of these weapons.To obtain all the endings in the gameit’s worth seeking out all the weapons in the but here is a list of the best for all situations.
13Ancient Overlord - A Fast And Nimble Weapon
The Ancient Overlord can be obtained in the second half of the game and while it doesn’t have a high damage output it’s perfect for players that like to fight with a speed advantage. The Ancient Overlord sword has a long history in the series as it appeared inDrakengardthe predecessor to theNierseries.
The sword is obtained during the story mission in Act 2 when King Sechs gives Nier the Ancient Overlord during a cutscene. It can’t be missed because the King will award the sword before the boss fight with the Wolves.
Level 4 Stats For This Weapon:
12Labyrinth’s Whisper - A Crowd Controlling Power Weapon
The Labyrinth’s Whisper is a one-handed sword that is obtained as a reward from completing the “Bridge in Peril"side quest. The quest is obtained in Act 2 when older brother Nier has spoken to a guard in theNorthern Plains. Once the quest has been completed the guard will reward Nier with the Labyrinth’s Whisper.
It has the same damage output as the Beastbain sword but its Magic Power is slightly higher. It’s a sword that’s better suited for taking on multiple enemies at once due to it being a very heavy weapon to handle.
11Beastbain – The Perfect Starting Weapon
Players trying tounlock the weapons collector achievementwill need complete sidequests. Some of these missions offer rare swords or spears as rewards, but for the most part, players will need to embark on them to earn gold for buying new weapons from blacksmiths.
Beastbain can bepurchased from the blacksmith in the starting villagefor 16,800 gold. This hefty initial investment is worth it for one of the strongest weapons players can find during the first half of the game. Players can purchase iron ore for upgrading this weapon from Gideon at the junk heap, for 1000 gold.
10Phoenix Dagger – A Short Sword With High Magic Regen
Weapons inNier: Replicantare split into 6 different weight categories: very light, light, moderate, heavy, very heavy, and extra heavy. Weight determines how fast a sword or spear will swing, with heavier blades dealing more damage but taking longer to wind up.
The phoenix dagger is moderate weight, making it reasonably fast and easy to use against hordes of shades. This sword deals more damage than a fully upgraded Beastbain at level 3; however, its best feature is itshigh magic regain. This allows players to quickly recharge their spells in combat.
9The Devil Queen – A Solid Starting Spear
Upon starting the second half of the game, players will be able to equiptwo-handed swords and spearsfor the first time. Both of these weapon types have their advantages and drawbacks.
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Players receive the Devil Queen as a reward forcompletingThe Damaged Mapsidequest. This spear is far from the best, but it is significantly better than the player’s starting spear, Transcience. The main benefit of the Devil Queen ishow easy it is to upgrade, with many of the necessary materials available to buy from material shops.
8Kusanagi – A Light-Weight Two-Handed Sword
As well as Transcience, players will also receive the Kusanagi upon starting the second half of the game. While players will certainly find better weapons to replace it with soon, this two-handed sword is unique for its low weight.
The Kusanagi is the only light two-handed sword in the game, offering decent damage andthe fastest attack speed of any weapon in its class. Unfortunately, its magic regain is relatively low, meaning many players will swap it out early for weapons that better complement their sorceries.
7Sunrise – A Powerful Heavy Spear
The Sunrise spear is a powerful weapon that can only be purchased in the second half of the game from theBlacksmith in Aerie for 21,600. Without upgrades, the bladed Sunrise spear is a moderately heavy weapon that’s easy to handle.
However, when fully upgraded the spear changes to the Very Heavy class making it harder to handle. At the cost of speed comes a lot of power and the ability to take down multiple enemies at once. The Sunrise spear also appeared inDrakengardas the Fheng’s Glaive.
6Spear Of The Usurper – A Strong All-Purpose Spear
Spears deal less damage than two-handed swords but are often much faster. When using spears, it is worth remembering that most of the attacks are thrusts, which are ineffective when surrounded by swarms of enemies. For dealing with hordes, players will want to use thelarge sweeping strike, which they can activate by pressing attack after a dodge.
The spear of the usurper can bepurchased from the blacksmith at Seafront for 21,600 gold. This weapon is great for players struggling through the second half, as it trumps most early-game weapons before its first upgrade.
5Virtuous Treaty – A Sword From The Future
If players downloadthe free4 Yorha DLC, they can unlock unique costumes and weapons fromNier: Automata. After downloading the expansion, fans need only reload their last save to enjoy the 9S costume as well as the virtuous weapon set.
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Virtuous Treaty, like the other items from its set, boasts incredibly high damage and rapid attack speed with one major drawback. Sadly,none of the virtuous weapons are capable of regenerating magic. Players won’t be able to cast as many spells with this sword equipped. However, given their incredible attack power, they may not need to.
4Fool’s Lament – A Powerful Sword From The DLC
While there are manydifferences betweenNier: Replicantand its predecessorNier: Gestalt, one thing both games have in common is the first DLC. This extra content, originally added in 2010, allows players to visit the World of Recycled Vessel. Here, they can discover diary excerpts written by the protagonist’s mother (or his wife in Gestalt).
Thefool’s weapon set can also be found in this area. All three of the weapons from this set are very heavy, meaning players will have to adapt to the slow attack speed to use them. Fool’s Lament is great for fans of two-handed swords, who will be used to the longer wind-up animations. It deals incredible damage, along with high magic regen.
